Business Development Manager - Scotland and the North of England

Solina Group; Winsford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus scheme

Car allowance

Pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Solina Foodservice is seeking a commercially minded Business Development Manager to drive growth across the Scotland and North East England region from Winsford. You will identify opportunities, open doors, and convert conversations into profitable partnerships with chefs, procurement managers, and distributors.

You will lead market development, manage key accounts, and collaborate with marketing, R&D, supply chain, and finance to align product offerings with customer needs.

Qualifications

• Clean UK driving licence.
• Thorough knowledge of food trends with recent culinary experience.
• Good knowledge of sectors such as hotels, pubs/restaurants, QSR, contract catering, education and healthcare.
• Some prior sales experience within the food wholesale sector would be advantageous.
• Self-motivated, confident and outgoing with ability to build relationships at various levels.
• A passion for food and cooking.

Responsibilities

• Identify and target new business opportunities within the foodservice channel (e.g., QSRs, hotels, schools, healthcare, distributors).
• Develop and execute strategies to penetrate new markets or expand existing ones.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential customers (chefs, procurement managers, distributors).
• Act as the main point of contact for key accounts, ensuring satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
• Drive sales and collaborate with teams to meet targets and KPIs.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service agreements in line with policy.
• Work with marketing, R&D, supply chain, and finance to align offerings with customer needs.

Skills

Driving licence

Food trends knowledge

Sectors knowledge

Sales experience (food wholesale)

Relationship building

Passion for food

Job description

## Business Development Manager - Scotland and the North of EnglandApplylocations: Winsfordposted on: Posted 30+ Days Agojob requisition id: R - 692Primary Location :WINSFORD, United KingdomAt Solina, our community of close to 5,000 people share a **passion for food** and live our entrepreneurial culture.We design customised savoury solutions for our clients operating in the food industry, food service, butchery and nutrition markets. With **sustainability at the heart** of our business model, we aim to produce food that is good in every sense of the word: delicious, nourishing, affordable, sustainable and convenient.Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories present in more than 19 countries mainly in Europe and North America.By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, **we make food matter for people and the planet**. If you're ready for a new adventure in a dynamic, expanding, passionate, international company, **join us** !**Drive Growth. Win Sales. Shape the Future of Foodservice.*****Are you a commercially minded chef looking for their first sales role or a salesperson with a passion for food and a hunger to win?*** As a Business Development Manager at Solina Foodservice, representing our market-leading brands Rich Sauces, Essential Cuisine, and Zafron Foods, you’ll be on the front line of growth. From Michelin-level kitchens and premium hotels to fast-scaling restaurant groups and institutional operators, you’ll identify opportunities, open doors, and convert conversations into profitable partnerships—where bold flavours, culinary innovation, and high-impact sales come together.This is more than a sales role — it’s about building lasting partnerships, launching bold ideas, and putting innovative food solutions on the map. You’ll have the freedom to explore new channels, pitch game-changing concepts, and influence what’s on menus across your region.**Key Responsibilities:****1. Strategic Business Development*** Identify and target new business opportunities within the foodservice channel (e.g., QSRs, hotels, schools, healthcare, distributors).* Develop and execute strategies to penetrate new markets or expand existing ones.* Analyse market trends, competitor activities, and consumer behaviour to inform growth strategies.**2. Client Relationship Management*** Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential customers (e.g., chefs, procurement managers, foodservice distributors).* Act as the main point of contact for key accounts, ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships.* Conduct regular meetings and presentations to clients to showcase products and solutions.**3. Sales & Revenue Growth*** Drive sales by promoting products and solutions tailored to the foodservice sector.* Collaborate with sales teams to meet or exceed sales targets and KPIs.* Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service agreements in line with company policy.**4. Cross-functional Collaboration*** Work closely with marketing, R&D, supply chain, and finance teams to align product offerings and delivery with customer needs.* Provide market and customer feedback to internal teams to guide product innovation and improvements.**5. Product & Menu Development Support*** Assist customers in integrating products into their menus or foodservice operations.* Provide insights on product usage, preparation, and application in commercial kitchens.**6. Budgeting and Reporting*** Develop and manage business development budgets.* Prepare regular sales forecasts, reports, and performance analyses for senior management.**7. Event Participation & Networking*** Represent the company at foodservice trade shows, exhibitions, and industry networking events.* Organize and lead product demonstrations or sampling events for potential clients**Knowledge and skills required:*** Clean UK driving license* Thorough knowledge of food trends, backed up with credible, recent culinary experience* Good knowledge of some (if not all) of the following sectors: Hotels, pubs and restaurants, QSR, contract catering, education and healthcare and manufacturing* Some prior sales experience within the food wholesale sector would be advantageous* Self-motivated, confident and outgoing with the ability to build relationships at various levels* A passion for food and cooking* This role could be ideal for commercially minded chef, looking for their first serious sales role**Given the territory and the area to be covered, the ideal candidate will be located in the N/E of England or the S/E of Scotland.****Benefits:**Competitive Salary, Bonus Scheme, Car Allowance, Pension Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme.***We are open to talents of all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is based on competences, and we openly welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI Commitment***